Greek island for mum and 16 year old dd post gcse

[Hairyfairy01]

Hi, I am hoping to treat my dd to 5-7 days in the sun post gcse exams, so mid June time. I fancy a Greek island but open to other ideas. Basically looking for lots of sunbathing, lovely beaches, sunsets and some nice places to eat out in the evening. I fancy a small, family run hotel with a pool in a safe area. Which island is best? Any recommendations for places to stay? Thank you.

I would do Lisbon or Barcelona

These are both cities though? I’m keen on just laying down in the sun rather than being on my feet all day 🙂

Skiathos Town is fabulous. The beach isn’t great but there’s an excellent bus service that takes you all around the island to some amazing beaches
I’d also recommend Kefalonia

Will that suit your DD too though? This is what I enjoy but I know that my own DD would’ve been bored to tears on a sunbathing holiday at that age. We found coastal cities/large towns to be the best compromise for this. A good mix of sightseeing and relaxing kept everyone happy. Barcelona, Nice and Sorrento were particular favourites.

It was DD’s idea. She is normally very busy and after GCSEs just wants to ‘chill and work on a tan’

kefalonoa looks lovely!

Kefalonia all the way, it will tick all of your boxes and then some!

Mykonos is very pretty.

https://domesresorts.com/domesofcorfu/ we went here after the last exam & before prom. Highly recommend

Kefalonia is fabulous. It was my sons absolute favourite place to holiday.

Have a look at Lassi - it’s a purpose built resort with a beach and it’s very close to Argostoli the capital which is great for a night mixing with the locals.

We always stayed here

https://www.sanlorenzovillage.gr/index.html

Definitely not Mykonos

Kos is lovely if you’re wanting somewhere easy but if you like the look of the Cyclades then make the effort to go to Naxos, you won’t regret it

We went to Skiathos with my teens. Great bus route to different beaches and into the main town. Lovely beaches to choose from for sun bathing and chilling. They all loved the option of being independent.

The town is really buzzing at night as well. Plus it’s easy get the ferry across to Skopolos which is a great day and like going back in time

Kefalonia is gorgeous.
Also love Naxos. Was our first Greek holiday and was super chill - and much cheaper than Mykonos or Santorini.
We also liked Lefkada: calm but fun. Had a great boat trip.
I'm not sure if it is still the case, but out of high season, things can be quiet on the smaller islands.

@TwistedWonder my eldest was initially not impressed with our choice of holiday but once he realised that he could have a ‘party’ in the evening in Skiathos town and explore the island independently in the day he was much happier!

Kos!!! Slightly hippy vibe and fab beaches.

I liked Lefkada as well. Also have a look at Parga on the mainland or Petra, Molyvos

I really think Skiathos town has something for everyone. Lively late night places for the younger travellers and more laid back bars for the parents.

Make sure your trip is after the contingency exam dates and doesn’t clash with her prom.

Another recommendation for Skiathos town

We've had some fab trips the last few years in the Peloponnese on the mainland and Ive been an island girl forever. We fly into Kalamata, 30 minute transfer and a small village with beach in walking distance.

Perissa in Santorini is small and safe with a lovely beach and much more reasonable than other parts of the island.

Santorini...
Lithies.com

Spetses all the way - easy from Athens, unspoilt beaches, beautiful sea. Super chill and gorgeous.

Another recommendation for Skiathos. Perfect destination for a mother/daughter trip. Small, fantastic beaches, great restaurants, cheap ferry from town to little islands, bus service goes every 10 minutes all day along the island and the outdoor Mamma Mia cinema night is great fun night out.

My sister took my niece to Crete this summer after exams. They had a ball.

Don’t forget students are to be available for the national contingency day on Wed 24th June 2026.